FOREVER AMBER: FROM NOVEL TO FILM by Gary A. Smith

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One
of the most popular and controversial novels of the twentieth century was Forever
Amber. In 1944, author Kathleen Winsor submitted multiple drafts to
MacMillan, but when her story of Restoration England and the sexual exploits of
beautiful Amber St. Clare was finally released, more than half of her
composition had been edited out.

Despite
the excisions, many reviewers admired the story’s relevance, comparing Amber's
fortitude during a plague and fire to that of the women who held hearth and
home together through the blitzes of World War II. Others condemned the book,
including the Catholic Church, for its blatant sexual references and perceived
indecency. Fourteen U.S. states even banned the book
as pornography. Despite the bans, Forever Amber sold over
100,000 copies in the first week of release and went on to sell over 3
million copies.

Within
a month after publication, the movie rights had been purchased by 20th
Century Fox, despite the Hays Office having condemned the novel. To pacify them
and other watchdogs, substantial changes were made to the script by Jerome
Cady, Philip Dunne, and Ring Lardner, Jr.

Production
began but ran into immediate problems. Actress Peggy Cummins, originally cast
as Amber, proved to be too inexperienced for the role, and she was replaced by
Linda Darnell. Director John M. Stahl was also replaced after thirty-nine days
of filming and more than $300,000 of production expenses. Otto Preminger took
the director position, and the film proceeded, eventually costing nearly $4.5
million. The romantic Tehnicolor film co-tarred Cornel Wilde, Richard Greene,
George Sanders, Dolores Hart, and Broadway veteran Jessica Tandy.

Author
Gary A. Smith sheds new light on the much maligned movie version of the
bestselling novel and shows how misguided censorship can ultimately damage
artistic expression. This research work also features glimpses into
behind-the-scenes casting, costuming, and an appraisal of David Raksins
original score.

206
pages. Illustrated with many rare photographs, including set photos from
several cut scenes. Also includes many contemporary film reviews.